Informed consent in gender-affirming care: what it means and why it matters

When you receive medical care in the UK, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals usually need your informed consent before examining you, treating you, or carrying out a procedure.

This is a legal and ethical requirement and is part of your rights as a patient.
Informed consent is all about your right to make decisions about your own body and health. It means that before starting any medical treatment or procedure, your healthcare provider makes sure that you fully understand what’s involved.

When it comes to gender-affirming care, informed consent recognises that you are the expert on your own identity and body. It’s a model built on transparency, trust, autonomy and effective communication between you and your healthcare provider.

What does informed consent look like in practice?

Your healthcare provider should explain your options in a clear, supportive way and answer any questions or concerns that you may have. You’re then given the time and space to make an informed, confident decision about your care. Once you feel ready to move forward with your care, you give consent to your healthcare provider.

Informed consent at Anne

At Anne, informed consent is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that accessing gender-affirming care should be straightforward, respectful, and centred around your needs and autonomy. Our approach means we take the time to give you all the information you need to make confident decisions about your care, without unnecessary delays or barriers.

We’re committed to providing clear, honest explanations about your treatment options, discussing any potential risks and benefits, and creating a supportive environment where your questions and concerns are always welcome.

Throughout your journey with Anne, we recognise you as the expert on your own identity and treat you with the dignity and respect that we all deserve. By operating on an informed consent model, we’re able to offer timely, person-centred care that puts you in control.

Your gender-affirming care should be guided by your voice, your values, and your right to make choices about your own body.